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Tom Libous Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we ask your prayers for our husband, father, grandfather, brother, Senator and Friend Tom Libous who has gone home to be with Jesus, May 3, 2016. Tom found earthly joys and love as a husband to Frances Pianella for 40 years. Together they shared the love of two wonderful sons, Matthew and Nicholas and daughter-in-law, Katie and a blessing of a grandson, Campbell Jude.
Tom's passion was to serve the Southern Tier of Central New York and he was honored to be a State Senator for 27 years. His accomplishments were many and he carried them with great humility. He is recognized as a statewide leader, giving a voice to people born with developmental disabilities and those who suffered with mental illness. Tom specifically asked to thank everyone for their tremendous loyalty and support over the years.
Tom was predeceased by his father and mother, William and Katherine Libous. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by his brother, Richard Libous, wife Bobbi and their two sons, William and Peter; sister, Susan Heenan; brother-in-law, Jim and their two children, Marissa and Lucas; his brother-in-law, Nick Pianella; wife, Carolyn and their children, Tyler, Nicole and Joe. His sister-in-law, Lucy Matrassi and her children, Kaitlyn, Rich and Alex; deceased sister-in-law, Marie Nelson and brother-in-law, Gary and her children, Jessica, Heather and Thomas Cramer (deceased); sister-in-law, Kathy Kraeger and her husband, Bob and their children, Jeremy and Jeff. He also leaves behind his Uncle Al Libous, the former Mayor of Binghamton and his aunt Lila and Henry Nussbaum, his aunt Arlene Foltyn along with many cousins, friends and his closest colleagues in the Senate, Senator George Maziarz and Senator Nick Spano.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday 10 a.m. from Church of The Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive relatives and friends at Church of The Holy Family, Friday from 1-7 p.m.
Tom wishes that in lieu of flowers, please contribute to Mercy House, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760, where Tom spent the last days of his life in comfort and surrounded by love and family.
We also would like to give a special thanks for the care he received for many years at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Libous
Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.
Terry Williams
April 29, 2019
It was through the Office of Tom Libous that our son, Ty Williams, received a Community Service Award Scholarship as a Senior at Harpursville Central School in 2005. Ty enrolled in the State University at Cobleskill and graduated in 2009 with a BS degree in Information Technology. He was hired by Mt. St. Vincent College in the Bronx as a Resident Adviser Supervisor. He earned his Master's Degree there in Business & Public Administration. Now Ty is now Student Affairs Coordinator at George Washington University in Washington,DC. We thank Tom Libous for his efforts to help further the education of our son and others in our area with this worthy scholarship.
Paul and Sue Sadlon
June 1, 2016
We were so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We will always remember him fondly as a warm, caring human being...who took those qualities with him as he represented us in Albany. He always was a champion for the Triple Cities. We will both remember the Steak Roasts and the golf tournaments for charity. (I still have a sweatshirt from those days!)
I will always remember him as an advocate for the nursing home, and for the developmentally disabled. He was a rare breed, indeed, and will be sorely missed.
Our sincere condolences to you, Fran, and to your family.
Maria and Gary Mathis
May 13, 2016
Fran and Libous family,
We were very sorry to hear about Tom's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Eternal memory.
Maria and Gary Mathis
Kevin Eggleston & the NYS- BSOB -OGS Staff
May 10, 2016
Fran & the Libous Family,
Senator Libous and his NYS - Binghamton St. Office Bldg. Staff ,always treated us with respect. They appreciated our work in the BSOB and made an effort to get to know all of us on a first name basis, even with their busy schedules. We think that was the key of Tom Libous being such a successful Senator for 27 years, he along with his 16th. Fl. Staff took an interest in each person they met and represented. Our prayers are with you, may Senator Libous rest in Peace. With sincere condolences,
Robert Suflita
May 9, 2016
Tom, May You Have Blessed Repose And Eternal Memory. Your efforts over the years to make the Binghamton area a better place to live and work in were greatly appreciated. Our sincerest condolences to the entire Libous family for your loss.
Pam (Edwards) Suflita and Bob Suflita
(Johnson City High School Classmates)
john harris sr and family
May 9, 2016
we are so sorry for your loss and you are in are thoughts and prayers
MCCABE KEVIN
May 9, 2016
Tom was a good friend to me from the time I started as the governor's regional representative in 2007. He would occasionally walk around the corner to my office on the 16th floor of the State Office Building to sit and talk for a bit. He liked to tell me the story of how he said my father was responsible for him graduating at Johnson City High School. My dad ( Jim McCabe) was Tom's guidance counselor. Tom said one day during his senior year my dad called him in his office and asked him, "Mr. Libous, do you plan to graduate with your class this year?" Tom said he looked at him very concerned and said I was planning on it. Of course Tom did graduate and went on to be very successful, but he told me he appreciated the wake up call. Tom was a kind man, a fierce advocate for his district and a loyal friend to many. I will miss him!
May 9, 2016
Words cannot say the sadness felt for the loss of Tom! Many many long ago memories! Thinking of you Fran and all your family!
In my prayers and thoughts, may God give you strength at this time.
Gale (Hackley) Redolphy
Dr Joseph T. Hogan
May 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Tom Libous. Our community benefited from his efforts on our behalf.
Andy Solomon
May 8, 2016
I've known Tom since Grade School, and cannot think of a nicer, more honest person anywhere. The entire Libous family are some of the finest people I've ever known. Tom will be missed by many people. Thanks for being a friend and for all that you have done! God Bless
Jon Archer
May 7, 2016
Fran, Matt and Nick it is with Great Sadness and very heavy Heart as I heard the News of Tom's Passing, I am very blessed to have worked with your Family and to have known him, Tom was Such a Great Person ! God Bless you all in this very difficult time.
May 7, 2016
RIP Tom... Keeping all of the Libous family in our prayers... The Grassi Family..
Shane O'Neill
May 7, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with the Libous Family through this tough time. My Mom & I use to do volunteer work for Senator Libous when they use to have the all day at NYSEG Stadium to teach kids to stay away from drugs & alcohol. When they had the free game that night my mom & me along with her ex boyfriend would sit in front of Senator Libous skybox to make sure nobody went into it that wasn't supposed to be. During the game people that worked for him would bring food & drinks out to us. We had people looking at us probably wondering how do they rate. After the game was over he got to go in the skybox with him & talk with him. He was such a nice guy & really liked us. One year my got a flower from Ballwinkle & it was Libous idea to do it. One year they had two WWE superstars come for the all day event & Senator Libous asked my mom's ex boyfriend to be their bodyguard. We did a lot of volunteer work for him not just the event at the stadium when they had it but a lot of other things also. Like behind the scenes stuff for him. RIP Senator Libous you will be greatly missed. Thanks for starting those programs for the kids.
May 6, 2016
Thank you for all your hard work, Senator Libous! You made a difference. May you rest in peace now.
Sue McNerney
May 6, 2016
Fran and family,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I remember Tom from when I first started working at 1st City in 1981...you couldn't hope to meet a nicer person. Watching him grow from there was awesome!!! What he did for this area I'll never forget.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Mary Merrall
May 6, 2016
Fran and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Tom was a great person and we thank him for his wonderful service to the community and NY State....He will be missed!
Theresa Inman
May 6, 2016
Prayers for the Libous family, Tom will be missed dearly. I remember when I voted for him. Tom was a very sweet person. I am going to miss seeing Tom around.
Terry Swartz
May 6, 2016
So sorry for the loss of this man, Tom Libous. I knew him as a person who fought for those with mental and developmental disabilities as I worked for Greater Binghamton Health Center and Broome Deveopmental Center. RIP Tom.
Tom lASKOWSKI
May 6, 2016
My condolences to the Libous family. He always was a nice guy. We would run into each other a few times over the years and chat. Thanks for your service.........fellow classmate JCHS 1971.
Penny Wagstaff
May 6, 2016
I have known the libus family for yrs. I always loved to go to there store on chenago St. In Binghamton. When I met back up with Tom I worked at gas station on Conklin Ave. He was a great man. Loved seeing him come in with his smile and ask me to pick out lottery tickets for his wife. I can say so much about him but I would like to say Tom your above with the stars watching everything.you shall be missed.. And was so happy and great full to have known you.
Penny Wagstaff
May 6, 2016
I have know the libus family for many years.but always loved it when Tom always came to the gas station. We spoken of the store his dad owned on chenago St. When I was younger. We had many laughs each time I saw him. I am so sorry for your loss but he was a wonderful man in many ways. Now he is at peace knowing all of use that can share what we encountered with a great man. Tom loved his family dearly. Just as they did him. My heart goes out to ya all. :) penny wagstaff
Rose Truong
May 6, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Libous Family as we remember Tom for his kindness and support he shared with our family through the years.
Dianne Dirlam
May 6, 2016
Fran and family,
I hope fond memories help you through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Anne Holic
May 6, 2016
Was saddened by the loss of such a great
Person who stood up for people with disabilites
He did a lot for our community
God Bless you all
Love Jim and Anne Holic
Binghamton NY
Todd Brown
May 6, 2016
I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Libous. I did not know him personally but just thru him being a politician even though I'm not into politics. At one time I was good friends of his relative Mrs. D and her family. Which she has past away a few years ago I believe. It's not easy when a loved one has left us. I suppose in time it gets better and my heart goes out to his family. God Bless,
Carol Palmiter
May 6, 2016
Tom Libous was a good friend of my late husband John Palmiter. (from the Broome Cty. Arena) He was more than a businessman and politician to John - Tom was a personal friend who shared his faith in God. They had many years of working together at caterings and different political events.
3 years ago, Tom Libous passed a special Senate Resolution honoring John's life and dedication to his community and family. He sent all of our family members a bound copy. It meant so much to all of us. It's just one example of the kindness that was in Tom's heart for those who truly knew him.
I am picturing a big hug as he is welcomed home to Heaven...by John and all who go before him.
Joe & Mary Ann Husnay
May 6, 2016
To the Libous Family: It is very difficult to express condolences to such a Great Guy.
He definitely was a"fighter" for every one of his
constituents, especially for the mentally challenged people in the Southern Tier.
We know this personally, as Tom placed a family member to reside in a local area, not having us to travel long distances for visitations.
May the Holy Family Bless and Keep you and yours always close to Their Sacred Hearts.
Dr Frank and Joyce Gilroy
May 6, 2016
We were saddened to learn of the death of Tom Libous. We have known him and his family for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Janet and Harold Wayman
May 6, 2016
To the family of Senator Libous, Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to you at the loss of such a tremendous man. Although I personally only met with him face to face a few times, each time he seemed to remember who I was which always left me in awe. He helped to resolve a very serious matter for my family and we will forever be indebted to him. Rest in peace, Senator Libous. You touched so many lives in our community and you will be forever missed by all.
Colleen Grams
May 6, 2016
Fran, Matt and Nick, I send my deepest sympathies. I am
so glad I was able to see you all last year when I was home. I will always have fond memories of Cousin Tom.
Colleen and Ken Grams and family.
Cheryl Fedorchak
May 6, 2016
Thank you for your many years of service. I have nothing but respect for the wonderful person you were. Rest in peace.
Terry & Muriel Williams
May 6, 2016
Dear Fran & Family,
We send our sincere condolences to you in your time of grief. We fondly remember our dear friend,Tom and share your loss. God's gift to us is our memory. He will in that way remain with us. Praise the Lord. Job 1:21
Love,
Muriel & Terry
Augie +Judy Kutchinski
May 6, 2016
Tom was a true Man of the people. Our community will miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with Him and His family.
Pete and Shirley Mastro
May 6, 2016
Dear Fran & family,
We can never forget what a wonderful, caring person Tom was and all of the great things that he did for NYS. There is not enough words to describe what a wonderful person he was inside and out.
Rest in peace our friend Tom.
Martha Birch
May 6, 2016
Will be praying for your family. Our family always supported him in hi many elections. I volunteered for him one summer. He was a good, compassionate Godly man.Sure he will receive many rewards for his many acts of kindness and good.
May 6, 2016
Sending love and gratitude for all your family has done for our community. May Tom rest in peace.
Annette & Bob Simek
Tony Williams
May 6, 2016
My condolences to the Libous family. Senator Libous was not only a great representative for the state and city,he was gentle reassuring neighbor.My Aunt lived near the Libous home and always spoke of how kind Tom and his family were when engaging her and her disabled son as they walked by.Even after my Aunts passing he would frequently ask other family members about how my cousin was doing.A good man that helped many with incredible humility.Rest easy Senator and thank you from a former Binghamton resident.
Michelle Puglisi Donlon
May 6, 2016
It is with great sadness that we must say goodbye to this wonderful man. He made a difference in so many people's lives. His legacy will endure, but he will be missed.
Roberto DeVincentis
May 6, 2016
I was very fortunate to have known Senator Libous for the past 30 years. It was through his tireless efforts that billions of dollars of Federal and State funding was brought into this area to stimulate our economy and promote new employment opportunities for the region's displaced and/or new workers. He was a man of great character and humility. He cared for all his constituents from the elderly, the disabled, the youth, and the less fortunate. He left us with a very distinguished legacy. Just as two thousand years ago the Roman noblewoman, Cornelia, described her sons as her jewels, today, the people of the Southern Tier can be proud to call Tom Libous their jewel.
Debbie Sacco
May 5, 2016
A wonderful man. Thank you Senator Libous for always being there for small businesses, the Mental Health Association ,and our communities.
May God bless you as you so richly deserve.
David Silvanic
May 5, 2016
Good bye dear friend, I will meet you once again with Joe and Sofie at Bennies Palace.
May 5, 2016
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the whole Libous family. My children greatly benefited from the BOOKS program which Sen. Libous started so many years ago. It sparked an interest in reading in all of them which continues today. Thank you, Sen. Libous. May you rest in peace and may God comfort your family.
Judy Howard
May 5, 2016
A wonderful man, very good senator, will be missed by all who loved and respected him. Peace to all of you, you will see him someday. We surely were blessed in every way possible. He was very good in helping us senior citizens, will miss him. God bless all of you! Rest in peace Tom.
Mayor John Bertoni
May 5, 2016
Rest in Peace and may the Family know that I extend to them my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Teri & Joan Spalik
May 5, 2016
Dearest Sue & Jim Marissa and Lucas, Ricky & Bobbi and family and the entire Libous family sending our most heartfelt condolences. Tom is now in a better place, one where we all share the belief in that we will re-join him one day. God bless and support your during this time.
May 5, 2016
My sympathy goes out to the family of Tom Libous.
Stan Kosick
May 5, 2016
Tommy was great guy. He was always willing to help and fighting for the Southern Tier. The areas he served are a little less now that he is gone.
Amy S
May 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Libous family during this difficult time. Senator Libous represented us with grace and loyalty. He will certainly be missed.
May God be with you all.
May 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 5, 2016
God bless you all. Senator Libous was a wonderful and kind man. Deepest condolences.
Angela Mandrell
May 5, 2016
God bless you Tom & your grieving family. We knew this was coming but it is still a shock when we've known you most of our lives.
I am deeply sorry for your loss. God be with you, always,
Gordon & Lori Harbachuk - Campbell
May 5, 2016
R.I.P. Friend & Sincere thanks for everything .... Love & Prayers to the Libous Family . God bless you all in this most difficult time.......
Frank Berrish
May 5, 2016
Fran and Family
I will miss Tom. He was a gentlemen who served the Triple cities well thru floods and getting us jobs or developing BU. I have memories of him laughing at the steak roasts and eating clams at Cortese. He was a fighter up to the end. HE LEAVES A LEGACY OF ALL OF THE GOOD THINGS HE HAS DONE FOR US IN THE SOUTHERN TIER. Rest my friend. You are truly loved by your family and all of us who you have made our life better for knowing you.
May 5, 2016
I first met Senator Libous when my daughter was a member of the YES team at school. I was overwhelmed by his engagement with students that was so genuine. I then had numerous encounters with him as I am a member of my districts school board. I was again overwhelmed by his genuine caring for what was best for kids and enjoyed every conversation I was a part of with him. I feel extremely lucky to have been enriched by his words and his devotion to students as well as many other important causes.
Jeanne Shields
BG Board of Education Member
Roger & Linda Besser
May 5, 2016
Libous Family,
Linda and I would like to extend or deepest sympathy and condolences to Tom's family. For the sixteen years I served as Sheriff of Tioga County, I always found a friend who was willing to listen and help with maintaining public safety within Tioga County. Tom was a true public servant with good heart and a commitment to making the Southern Tier of New York a great place to live and work. Your dedication and friendship will me missed. Sheriff Roger E. Besser retired.
PK Harding
May 5, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Libous family. Tom will be missed by our community. He did so much for the area, especially for Achieve. The program participants absolutely loved Tom.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cherie Maczko
May 5, 2016
Fran & family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was a wonderful man and I have such great memories of him. I am grateful for all his hard work and his kindness. Please accept our deepest sympathy on a profound loss.
Cherie & Jerry Maczko
Laura Schmitz
May 5, 2016
As Tom leaves us with sadness, he also leaves us with the joy of having had the chance to get to know him. May all of the family find peace knowing Tom is loved by many. I will always remember him for the special man he was to so many, including my family. God Bless all of you from Melissa, Amanda and Laura Schmitz.
Michelle Ireland
May 5, 2016
Libous Family, I am so so sorry for your loss. My thoughts, prayers and heart go out to you at this very difficult time.
May 5, 2016
I believe Senator Libous truly has a spot with God.
Tom was a special friend to the Viet Nam veterans in the southern tier. The man was light years ahead of the rest of the world, he was always there for the Vet. He personal time, resources and his efforts in Albany will never be forgotten. His sincere and from the heart concern saved an untold amount of Viet Nam Vets.
Peace be with you Sir
Tom
Apalachin
Laura Schmitz
May 5, 2016
As Tom leaves us with sadness, he also leaves us with the joy of having had the chance to get to know him. May all of the family find peace knowing Tom is loved by many. I will always remember him for the special man he was to so many, including my family. God Bless all of you.
Stephen Comency
May 5, 2016
Fran,
I join the rest of the southern tier in mourning the loss of Tom. He was such a wonderful man.. I knew him from growing up around the corner from your southside home and helped on many campaigns. He always had time to visit with me be it at an event, on the street or in an elevator and never failed to ask about my family. I think City Councilman Matzo said it best: "Tom was a friend to everyone". I hope you find some relief from your sorrow knowing Tom touched so many lives in an uplifting way. God Bless.
Don Sbarra
May 5, 2016
Tom Libous was one of the most open and honest politicians I ever met. As a news reporter, his word was golden; you could take it to the bank, which is to say even the most jaded and skeptical of editors.
His legacy will stand as testament to his predecessor's brilliance in judging a man's character. His work ethic, perseverance and talent for pulling people together was peerless. He was the embodiment of Tip O'Neil's famous axiom: All politics is local.
This community has been blessed with a truly exceptional leader. We may never see the likes of him again.
My sincerest condolences to Fran and the rest of The Senator's family. You have much to be proud of.
Fred and Debbie Russell
May 5, 2016
Fran , Matt ,Nick Our prayers are with you as our memories of Tom go back 30 plus years, What a fantastic time we enjoyed when times were easy and the stress's in life were minimal .. Our wedding could not have been complete without Tom as one of my " best men ".. He is now in the arms of GOD and serving all those in HEAVEN as on EARTH... Love Fred and Debbie Russell
Fred and Debbie Russell
May 5, 2016
Fran , Matt ,Nick Our prayers are with you as our memories of Tom go back 30 plus years, What a fantastic time we enjoyed when times were easy and the stress's in life were minimal .. Our wedding could not have been complete without Tom as one of my " best men ".. He is now in the arms of GOD and serving all those in HEAVEN as on EARTH... Love Fred and Debbie Russell
Lena Bishop
May 5, 2016
Dear Libous Family
Thoughts and prayers are with you
During this difficult time. The southern tier is better for knowing our
Senator and everything Tom brought to our community. Thank You Tom
And God Bless. Rest in Peace Senator
Dick Merrill (Ret. Deputy Sheriff )
May 5, 2016
A lot of Good Byes will follow. I wish to add mine, for the short time knowing Tom.
anne haddad
May 4, 2016
We have been praying for Tom for months with our kids. Tonight we told our kids he went home to be with Jesus, his mom and dad,and granny and Grandpa Norman. We are so sorry for your lose but are equally relieved that he is out of pain and home with God. Our love and support are with you always.
With great love,
Peter, Annie, Jennie and Charlie
Donna Rotella Bryan
May 4, 2016
Good bye dear friend. Our Rotella family are saddened by your passing. Your courage and dignity throughout your illness was beyond incredible! Prayers and support continue for Fran, Matt, Nick,Kate and precious Cam.
Carmie Bast-Hranek
May 4, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person, I will be
forever grateful to Senator Libous. He will be greatly missed.
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